Protecting Long Island Sound

Sen. Formica: Long Island Sound plays a major role in the economy of Southeastern Connecticut

Senator Paul Formica testifies before the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in New London Thursday August 27 on a dredging plan for Long Island Sound.

Hartford, CT – State Sen. Paul Formica (R-East Lyme) testified in support of a recently released plan to dredge Connecticut’s waterways at a public hearing that was held by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in New London.

“At stake is about $9 billion in economic activity a year and 55,000 jobs. Long Island Sound plays a major role in the economy of Southeastern Connecticut,” Formica said.

Sen. Formica expressed to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers his support for the plan developed during the last 10 years after countless hours of research.

“It is imperative we have a strong program for dredging harbors and waterways in and around Long Island Sound,” added Formica.

At the hearing the public had a chance to comment on the plan drafted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as to the dredging needs of Long Island Sound over the next 30 years. Dredging involves moving sediment from harbors, ports, rivers and waterways to ensure they are navigable.

Formica testified that different methods of disposing the dredge material need to be considered and used, but that open water disposal will continue to be necessary. The disposals are heavily controlled and regulated.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold additional hearing on the “Draft Dredge Material Management Plan” in coming weeks. The document is designed to serve as a guide for the federal government’s involvement in more than 50 dredging sites that will need work in the coming decades.

The public hearing Formica testified at was held at the Holiday Inn in New London on Thursday evening (August 27). Formica is serving his first term as State Senator in the 20th district. He serves as a member of three committees: Appropriations, Energy and Technology and Public Safety.